Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks on Taiwan are unlikely to cause an immediate rupture in Malaysia-Taiwan ties, but could lead Taipei to question Kuala Lumpur’s neutrality and strategic autonomy, according to analysts.

Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) senior lecturer Aini Fatihah Roslam said the most significant risk was not a breakdown in ties, but a change in Taiwan’s strategic perception of Malaysia.